Special Service and Features
Webinar on “Ayushmaan Bharat #HealthForAll & COVID-19 in Children & How to avoid the predicted epidemic”
Field Outreach Bureau, Coimbatore in coordinating with Press Information Bureau, Ministry of I & B, Government of India, Chennai organized a Webinar on “Ayushmaan Bharat #HealthForAll & COVID-19 in Children during second wave & How to avoid the predicted epidemic” on 11th June, 2021.
Shri Nadeem Thufail, Deputy Director, Press Information Bureau, Chennai welcomed the dignitaries . He further said that organising a webinar for children and parents will definitely be beneficial for them as the number of children are on the rise. The fact that there is no vaccine rolled out for under 18 age group has underlined the need for sensitising them to take enough precautions to save themselves from infection, he added.
Shri J. Kamaraj, IIS, Director, Regional Outreach Bureau Chennai in his introductory address hailed the success of Ayushman Bharat scheme which provides assured health care to over 50 crore poor poor needy people. The scheme has been a helping hand to millions who had been infected by corona virus. This scheme is working very well in different levels. About 16 Crore beneficiaries have been given Ayushman Cards under this scheme. The increasing infection rate among children is a cause of concern and all out efforts should be made to avoid a third wave, he warned.
In his inaugural address, Dr Manickam Ramaswamy said the Parents should take care of themselves first to make a healthy family. Parents should strictly follow appropriate behaviour while making aware of how to use the mask and observe safety norms.
Dr. Neminathan, Managing Director, Coimbatore Child Trust Hospital, Coimbatore said that the aim of the webinar is to present the evidence based approach to paediatric COVID. He appealed to the children to stay positive, and not panic . He alerted parents to watch out for these general symptoms in children like Fever, running nose, cough, cold, sore throat, tiredness, easy fatigue headache, body pain, not eating well & stomach pain . Persons in such condition should contact and consult the doctor as soon as possible. He further clarified that breastfeeding mothers can get vaccinated and continue feeding. He appealed to the children and their parents and administered them a pledge for strictly following all appropriate behaviour & preventive measures.
While delivering the address, Dr. Srinivasan, HOD Microbiology Department, Rathinam Groups of Institutions, Coimbatore said that engaging children in some meaningful activities at home increases their excitement and zeal thus helping them retain a positive mental health while being locked up in the homes for many months. The children should be exposed to more environment platforms so that the morality will keep boosted up. Children should be encouraged to learn within their living spaces with the limited and directed use of technology.
Smt. Kareena B Thengamam, Deputy Director, Field Outreach Bureau, Coimbatore concluded the webinar by expressing the gratitude towards the guests and thanked parents for their keen participation aling with kids.
At last, Shri Mukesh Mohankumar from Rathinavani 90.8 Community Radio,  Radio Head, Coimbatore proposed vote of thanks and assured that the highlights of the webinar will be suitably broadcast in their community radio platform to amplify the awareness.